LEIBNIZ-HKI x Innovayt // COFUND
SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION OF ANTIFUNGAL RESEARCH
Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology – Hans Knöll Institute (LEIBNIZ-HKI) is a world-leading research centre dedicated to understanding microbial interactions and combating infectious diseases, with a special focus on human-pathogenic fungi. LEIBNIZ-HKI combines expertise in antifungal research, infection biology, natural product research, and computational science to address major global health challenges, including the rise of antifungal resistance.
To strengthen its international research excellence, LEIBNIZ-HKI established Fellows4Fungi, an ambitious postdoctoral programme designed to attract outstanding researchers from around the world. The initiative brings together 18 leading academic and industrial partners across Europe, creating a strong environment for scientific talent to advance research on fungal infections.
By combining cutting-edge research, international and interdisciplinary collaboration, and advanced training, Fellows4Fungi will help build the next generation of experts in antifungal research. Their work will drive the next generation of antifungal diagnostics, therapies, procedures and prevention measures, while equipping the 12 postdoctoral fellows with the scientific, collaborative, and leadership skills needed to build successful careers at the forefront of antifungal innovation.
EU FUNDING
The MSCA COFUND scheme supports ambitious research and training programmes that strengthen international mobility, career development, and scientific excellence. In collaboration with Innovayt, LEIBNIZ-HKI secured nearly €2M in MSCA COFUND funding to establish Fellows4Fungi (total budget €4.9M). This support will enable the institute to attract and train excellent international researchers, contributing to Europe’s leadership in life sciences and global health innovation.
LEIBNIZ-HKI is a recurring Innovayt client, having previously secured close to €10M in soft funding through MSCA-DN and BMFTR. This earlier success already underscored LEIBNIZ-HKI’s position as a leader in infection biology and antifungal research, while Fellows4Fungi further strengthens its role as a European hub for scientific talent and global health innovation.
Developing Fellows4Fungi was an ambitious undertaking and the support from Innovayt helped us transform an initial concept into a highly competitive proposal. Their experience with European funding combined with constructive scientific and strategic feedback was greatly appreciated throughout the application process. We are excited to see the programme become a reality.”
– Prof. Dr. Gianni Panagiotou, Microbiome Dynamics Head, Leibniz-HKI